Hillside Farm Camping

Hillside Farm Camping is in the remarkably flat fenlands of East Anglia. What passes for a hill here is actually gently sloping fenland, which helps give this level camping field its lovely countryside views. This is a small, easy-going meadow campsite with 10 pitches for tent campers – and campfires allowed. While it’s close to some lovely places, including Knettishall Heath and the market town of Diss, it’s also centrally located on the southern side of the Norfolk-Suffolk divide. That means it’s as good as a central base from which to explore all of East Anglia as it is for local adventures.

You arrive into the yard at Hillside Farm where you’ll be greeted by hosts, Deborah and James, the mother and son behind this simple Suffolk site. They’ll point you to your spot in one of two meadows whether you’ve come in your own tent or booked one of their bell tents (available furnished or unfurnished). But however you choose to stay, all are equally welcome: glampers, campers, couples, families, and those with dogs as well. Facilities are simple: just a pair of combined loo and shower rooms in a converted horsebox and outdoor dishwashing sinks. The site is off grid but there’s a handy undercover space in a rustic cart shed, which has a plug or two for phone charging, as well as space to sit down and relax if it rains.

Getting around from Hillside Farm Camping is easy as it’s just off the B1111. Understandably, that means a little road noise can be heard – but the lie of the land and a hedgerow means passing cars are out of sight. That B-road sets you off in the right direction for Diss, about 10 miles east, or Thetford, 12 miles to the west, from where you can radiate in any direction to find East Anglia’s highlights. Thetford Forest, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, and the coast; all are reasonable day trips from here, but you don’t have to go so far to have a good time. Within three miles of the campsite you’ll find the nature reserve at Knettishall Heath and it's less than ten to Banham Zoo and Bressingham Steam Museum. But closer than all of that is a little museum right here on site dedicated to the US Airmen who flew from a nearby airfield in the Second World War – ask Deborah or James if you want to see it.